Interpreters and translators

Contacting courts or tribunals by telephone

If you or someone you know needs an interpreter when you contact a court or tribunal, use the free Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS). Call
131 450 and tell them the telephone number you need to contact. An interpreter will call the number while you are on the phone and translate what the person on the line says to you.

Need an interpreter for court?

For some types of proceedings, the court or tribunal can arrange interpreters. The court or tribunal can also bear the costs of interpreters. Examples of matters in which the court or tribunal can arrange an interpreter include:

If you are not sure whether an interpreter can be arranged for you,
contact ​the registry of the courthouse or tribunal which you will be attending.

To request an interpreter,
contact the ​relevant registry. If possible, do this at least one week before the date you need to attend court. If you are in court or in a tribunal, tell the judicial officer that you need an interpreter. An interpreter will be arranged for your next court or tribunal appearance.

The
Department of Social Services provides a free translation service for non-English speaking people settling permanently in Australia. This service can be used only by eligible people in the first two years after entry to Australia.

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The information on this site is a guide only and is not legal advice - see
disclaimer.